Looking for starting place to work up a .223 load with heavier bullets (60-70 gr. bullets) for 1 in 9 twist barrel. Want to work up a match load for paper. What works for you? Bullet type, powder, A.O.L., primer. Your imput appreciated.

jbok-

Try 24.5 grains of Varget behind almost any bullet in the 223, but in that range, I'd go with the Sierra 69 gr MatchKing in particular. Use CCI BR or Winchester WSR primers, and you should have a fine load. Fine tune the charge weight and seating depth a little to suit your rifle. (If you're using a bolt gun, start close to the lands. If you're running an AR-15, you are limited by magazine length.).

I'm sure you'll get other suggestions as well, as it is very easy to make the 223 shoot well. There are a bunch of good combinations that work. The above load is one that I personally have great success with.

Have fun!

I second Cold Bores choice of bullets. The 69 gr. MatchKing is an impressive bullet capable of fine accuracy. My rifle however does like N540 better than Varget. Give it try.

Shoot Safe, Shoot Straight......RiverRat

Varget....25.5 grs........Rem BR primer...69 Sierra MK...loaded to 'sweet spot' length. This has scarey accuracy in my s/shot Savage 223.

I've had great results using 60 grain v-max and 24.5 grains of reloader 15. Shoots under 1/2 inch with my savage (1 in 9 twist). I've heard other people on this forum recommending reloader 15 with the "heavier" .223 bullets as well.

I have aa 1 in 12 bolt action that shoots a 60 grain well with 25 grains of W-748.

I too like the Hornady bullet 60 grains. I just happen to have a lot of BL-C2 and 26 grains tags me close to 3,000fps and groups are very pleasing to me.

The heavier bullets seem to tolerate wind better than the 40-50 grainers and I can't tell any difference in range.

Try 69g Sierra or 70 Lapua with 23.5g Benchmark -
you wont be disappointed. I also like N550 rather than N540 - around 27g, or if you steal some - Norma 203B around 24g - Im down to my last pound and the NZ Norma Agent's not bringing in powder any more cos' of high transport costs.

Thanks for the help guys, I took your advice and ordered some 60 gr. Sierra's, 69 gr. Sierra MatchKing, 75 gr. A-Max and 100 rds of new brass and it's back to the bench and then the range for test. Going to try powders that I have first W748, BLC-2, & 2230s. Thanks again jb

[ 09-09-2003, 23:42: Message edited by: jbok ]

My best load, for MY rifle, is 26.5 Varget, a CCI 400 primer, a Berger 60.1 gr HPFB and a Remington case. The temp also can't be over 75 degrees. If you use a heavier case, such as Lapua or Winchester, it will overpressure. Basically, I reserve that load for winter shooting. It's hot and my rifle loves it. Yours may not. For loads that you can shoot any time of the year, the other posters suggestions make a lot more sense. -Rod-